Market-oriented Agriculture Technical Director

Market-oriented Agriculture Technical Director 

USAID Nepal Agriculture Transformation Activity

Scope of Work

DAI works at the cutting edge of international development, combining technical excellence, professional project management, and exceptional customer service to solve our clients’ most complex problems. Since 1970, DAI has worked in 150 developing and transition countries, providing comprehensive development solutions in areas including crisis mitigation and stability operations, democratic governance, public sector management, agriculture, private sector development, economics and trade, public health, water and natural resources management, and energy and climate change. More information about or work and existing projects around the world may be found at www.dai.com.

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Project Background

DAI is seeking qualified Market-oriented Agriculture Technical Director candidates for the anticipated USAID-funded Agriculture Transformation activity in Nepal. The goal of Agriculture Transformation is to catalyze transformation of Nepal’s agricultural sector required for inclusive economic growth. The objectives for this activity are:

1. Agricultural productivity, competitiveness, and diversification increased;
2. Enabling environment for private sector investment in agriculture and equitable access to market systems improved;
3. Climate and economic resilience of women, youth, and marginalized communities enhanced; and,
4. Capacity of national agricultural research institutions and extension systems strengthened.

This activity is expected to focus on the following value chains: fine rice, industrial maize, lentils, high-value vegetables, and goats. Implementation is expected to focus on 25 districts across Bagmati, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces. 

Position Overview

The Market-oriented Agriculture Technical Director will provide technical leadership and workstream oversight. The ideal candidate will have significant experience successfully implementing market-based approaches; a demonstrated track record managing community and government relations; a commitment to capacity building; a demonstrated use of data and analysis for making strategic decisions; and prior experience engaging the private sector and scaling public-private partnerships to achieve positive development impact.

This full-time position is contingent upon project award and approval.

Responsibilities 

• Provide strategic oversight to program activities, support the development of technical approaches and strategies, and ensure that work streams are coordinated appropriately
• Ensure that strategic and technical thinking is reflected in clear operational plans
• Ensure that technical teams and staff are clear about roles and responsibilities and communicate clearly and effectively with each other and with operational staff
• Ensure that the program’s technical support needs are covered, including through deploying and supervising STTA
• Manage coordination and communication with USAID, partners, and other external stakeholders
• Ensure that the program provides high-quality deliverables in a timely manner and according to client requirements
• Lead and/or support the development of work plans and progress reports
• Oversee the quality of all program activities, including through field visits

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree required in agronomy, agricultural science, sustainable agriculture, agribusiness management, economics, microbiology, or another related field; Master’s degree in a related field preferred
• Minimum eight years of leadership experience in program design, implementation, and monitoring multifaced programs focusing on agricultural development, climate or economic resilience, land tenure, and/or nutrition for smallholder farmers
• Demonstrated experience of working along fine rice, industrial maize, lentils, high-value vegetables, and goat value chains and/or their support sub-sectors
• Technical experience preferred in the following area(s): agribusiness development; economic growth; agriculture technology and innovation; reducing Green House Gas emissions and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices; transferring technological innovations, sharing best practices, and building local capacity; engaging and partnering with the private sector; catalyzing investment to support targeted value chains; trade, finance, and/or green finance; improving policy and regulatory environments; fostering partnerships with host country governments; and/or strengthening the economic and climate resilience of women, youth, and socially marginalized communities
• Demonstrated experience engaging diverse stakeholders, including at the local community level
• Demonstrated experience managing programs of similar scope and complexity in coordination with multiple partners; experience managing teams and activities on USAID programs preferred
• Familiarity with monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) processes preferred
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and a proven track record of developing and building teams, fostering collaboration, and producing high-quality activities and deliverables to achieve development objectives
• Demonstrated professional experience in Nepal and/or relevant regions in Asia is required
• Spoken and written fluency in English, Nepali, and/or other national languages

Supervision

The Market-oriented Agriculture Technical Director’s supervisory responsibilities will be determined based on capacity and team structure. 

Level of Effort, Location, and Reporting

The level of effort is 260 days per year. The employment contract will be on a yearly basis, with performance-based extensions until the close of the anticipated 5-yr project. The Market-oriented Agriculture Technical Director will be based in Nepal, with frequent travel to the project-selected municipalities across the country. 

Interested parties are invited to send their full CVs to Nepal-AT@dai.com with "Market-oriented Agriculture Technical Director" in the subject line.